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No Easy Way	By : secretlysecretly Category: M through R > The Phantom of the Opera > Het Views: 7568 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own The Phantom of the Opera, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

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Chapter 44

Christine’s screams pierced the air as Erik felt his knees give way from under him, Olivier’s weight pinning him to the white marble. In a haze, he drifted his eyes to where Marianne was standing, only to find her lying immobile on the floor. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Raoul running to where he and his adversary had fallen in a heap on the floor and he groaned at the state he had found himself in.

The Viscount, a man Erik had never thought of as anything more than a spoilt rich boy up to that morning, reached them and pulled Olivier’s body so that Erik could move to stand up. As soon as the weight was lifted from over him, Erik realized what had driven Christine into hysterics and possibly Marianne to faint. The sticky liquid that was caked on his vest, as well as the rapidly growing pool of blood that was spreading around the Baron’s seemingly lifeless body was enough to make him sick to his stomach but, trying to keep his wits collected, as soon as he was free he ran over to Marianne’s limp figure where Raoul had reposed her to hurry to his aid.

In an effortless fluid motion he picked her unconscious body in his arms and looked around him to find a couch to lay her in, but Raoul’s hand on his shoulder stopped him short. He followed the blonde man’s gaze to where Olivier Dervaux lay and, searching Raoul’s eyes, realized he had already checked his vitals only to find out that the Baron was no more.

A chill ran through his spine and for a moment he felt the weight of his conscience crash over him but Raoul shook his head sternly and spoke in a grave voice. “It was not your fault...”

Nodding his head solemnly, he turned his attention back to Marianne and a wave of fear washed over him as he found her still unconscious, despite the commotion and Christine’s hysteric cries.

“I have to take her to her chamber.” he murmured apologetically and marched towards the door, carrying the woman who bore his child steadily in his arms. He kicked the door to open it wide and with determined steps made his way towards the master bedroom where he and his lover had shared such exquisite nights in ecstasy. The room however symbolized something far grimmer in Erik’s mind, as it had also been the last place he had lain eyes upon her following to her engagement to the Baron, when he had used the power he wielded over her trying to force her to admit she still had feelings for him.

The knowledge of the true circumstances of her abandonment as they had been revealed to him flushed his face with shame and Erik couldn’t help but curse himself at the harsh words they had exchanged additionally to the torment he had unwittingly put her through.

As he reached the top of the grand staircase, Erik secured Marianne in his arms and reached out his hand to turn the door handle that would lead his angel to safety. He carefully made his way to the bed and laid her limp body gently upon the covers, taking a moment to divest of his waist jacket and vest before hr returned to her again, sitting beside her on the mattress and reaching out to caress her brow tenderly.

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Downstairs, Raoul sat on a sofa in the adjoining salon to the dining room, his face buried in his hands as everything that had transpired ran through his head. The night had taken its toll on him, exhausting him terribly now that the situation of his cousin had been resolved so dramatically. Raoul never would have thought his childhood friend would lose his life because of his inability to accept the fact that Marianne never had any feelings for him other than a deep-rooted sisterly love he had managed to kill with his cruelty and sadistic nature.
On the other hand, Raoul himself had lent a hand in the Baron’s demise, befriending his old adversary in a seemingly vain effort to attain Marianne’s happiness. In the end, his instincts had proven to be correct as he had finally realized that the deceased Baron Dervaux was indeed blackmailing his cousin with Destler’s capture but, for the life of him, Raoul couldn’t help but feel sorry for his long time friend.

For the first time in his life he felt so consumed with compunction over the Baron’s death but in his heart he knew that Olivier had brought his death upon himself in his mad quest for Marianne’s affection. Raoul had always known his friend to be an egoist, a self-righteous man who had little care for those around him, showing emotion only when he had something to gain. However, he knew it would not be an easy feat to try and put this tragic incident behind him.

At least something good had come out of this whole mess. Raoul was more than content at the notion that his cousin had finally found true happiness by the side of a man who obviously worshiped the ground she walked on. It was quite apparent to Raoul that Marianne and Erik were genuinely in love. The former Phantom’s declaration of love before everyone’s astonished eyes was indeed heart wrenching and he couldn’t help but feel a pinch of jealousy tug at his heart as he contemplated the way his own relationship with his wife had evolved through the years.

Theirs had been a love based on appearance. He was aware of the fact that his wife had chosen him over the Phantom despite her subconscious attraction to the dark man. Raoul was no fool. He had known even before consummating their relationship with the young Primadonna that Christine had run to him out of fear for the feelings the Phantom was stirring in her as well as for his prominent social status. He shook his head at his own stupidity, cursing himself for choosing to turn a blind eye on his relationship with his wife as it had evolved but he knew deep down inside that ever since he had made the conscious decision to court Christine regardless of the Phantom’s apparent infatuation for her three and a half years ago, he had effectively aided in his own demise.

He couldn’t blame his wife for living her life with accordance to her twisted aspirations. If anyone was to blame, it had to be he who married a woman he knew was not good for him. That said woman was sitting across from him on the couch at that very moment, murmuring under her breath how insensitive and feeble he was for allowing Erik to even dream of pursuing his noble cousin. According to Christine, the man was a monster who had no right to lift his eyes on a beautiful noble woman such as Marianne and whom Olivier, rightfully so, wanted to see rotting in prison for eternity after his heinous crimes.

At first, disbelieving of his wife’s capacity for such cruelty towards the man who had once been her mentor, Raoul tried to reason with her, telling her over and over again that Erik was indeed a changed man; one who truly loved Marianne and had his own feelings reciprocated by the object of his desire. As soon as the words had left his mouth however, Christine had lunged at him, reminding him how cruel Erik had been in the past when he had been set on killing him to win her affections.

When she had realized however that for the first time in four years the mention of that fateful night would not raise Raoul’s sympathy towards her, she had started throwing vicious accusations his way, calling him a fool and a hopeless romantic who would never be good for anything else, save for providing her with the necessary funds to keep up her luxurious style of living.

He had merely nodded his head in silent acceptance of her words, musing how struck Christine would be at his declaration for divorce upon their return to Paris. Perhaps then his dear, not-so-innocent wife would come to realize that he was good for so much more other than financing her extravagant tastes.

Christine carried on with her muttering and Raoul, unable to take it any longer, stood on shaky legs and walked over to the window looking out. He was expecting the commissioner to arrive in any minute, anxious to leave the night’s dreadful incident behind him. He was certain the authorities would not press the matter any further once he informed them of Olivier’s attack on Erik. No one had to know who Erik was per se. Apparently he had swiftly become a prominent member of the Rouen community after his donation of a large sum for the construction of a school in town. Additionally to that, Raoul was quite aware of the rumors that painted quite a grim picture of the late Baron.

He had not been oblivious to the whispers that described Olivier Dervaux as an unscrupulous man who had been wasting his family’s fortune for years upon end on vulgar women, liquor and gambling. He had of course tried to brush these rumors aside, unwilling to accept the fact that his old friend was anything but worthy of the high regard he had always held for him, but now that he had seen with his own eyes what the Baron was actually capable of, he was relieved thinking that his reputation would serve well in wrapping the case of his death up in the most inconspicuous manner.

Raoul heard his wife sniffling behind him and turned his head partially to gaze upon her miserable frail form, but felt no remorse for the cold way in which he had been regarding her for the past two days. For the first time in more than three years he felt he could not be manipulated by her mood swings and the feeling was absolutely liberating for him. He turned his attention back to the window in eager anticipation for the last scene that would soon play out, writing the last chapter in this drama.

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Erik had been sitting next to Marianne’s immobile form, trying to absorb as much as he could of her beauty as she slept soundly. Suddenly, her brow creased as if she was having a bad dream and he raised his hand to caress her cheek soothingly.
“Erik…” she exhaled in her slumber, making his heart skip a beat at her pained whisper.

“Shhh…” he whispered, trailing his fingers over her brow to brush the loose strands of her hair from her forehead.

“Erik… NO!” she cried worriedly, and her body convulsed as if she were trying to push someone away.

“Shhhh my love, it’s all over now.” he cooed soothingly and bent his head to touch his quivering lips on her forehead.

Shaken from her slumber at the contact, Marianne opened her eyes looking frantically around her, trying to register where she was and what was happening.

“Erik?” she muttered, clutching his body to her desperately.

“Everything is going to be alright.” he softly reassured her, stroking her hair lovingly.

“Where is Olivier?” she inquired tremulously.

“It doesn’t matter now. He will not pester you anymore.” he assured her resolutely.

“But… he tried to kill you! He had a dagger and you were fighting, and then… Is he…?” she trailed off, searching his eyes for an answer to the dreaded question she couldn’t force herself to speak.

“The Baron has passed away.” Erik stated simply, encircling her in his arms protectively.

“But…” she cried in agony, burying her face in her hands.

“I’m afraid that is the truth Marianne. Olivier Dervaux is dead by his own hand. It was an accident.”

“This cannot be happening… Oh, poor Olivier…” Marianne murmured as if she were talking to herself, her heart clenching at the thought of her one-time friend who had turned into her torturer in a vain attempt to win her affection.

“Poor Olivier?” Erik yelled, disentangling himself from his lover in a heartbeat, desperate to put some distance between them as he fought with himself to maintain his self-control.

“Erik… What are you doing?”

“You need to be honest with me Marianne. Do you regret the Baron’s death? Would you rather have me stone-cold on the floor, dead by your fiancé’s hand?”

For a few torturous seconds Marianne did not answer him, creasing her brows in an inquiring manner, trying to comprehend why he was being so absurd. For each second that passed, Erik could feel his heart clench in agony as he pondered on all of the cruel words they had exchanged in the past month or so.

“Is it such a hard question Marianne?” he inquired ironically, his voice cold at the very notion of her heart’s betrayal. “Would you rather have your precious Baron by your side, triumphant over the murder of your unworthy, monstrous lover?”

At his words, Marianne made to stand from the bed but felt a wave of nausea wash over her at the sudden movement. Alarmed at her obvious feebleness, Erik strode to where she was sitting on the edge of the mattress and tried to help her, but Marianne gave him a smoldering look and pulled wildly her arm from his grasp. Steadying herself she managed to stand before him and turned on him with a pained look burning in her eyes.

“Are you absolutely mad?!?” she almost screamed in agony, getting even angrier at his uncomprehending eyes. “You dare to ask me if I would prefer to see you dead rather than Olivier? Erik, I would die if anything ever happened to you!” she screamed, turning away from him to hide her bitter tears at his words.

Knowing deep inside that he was being unfair, Erik couldn’t control himself any longer and marched over to where she was standing, gripping her upper arm and turning her so that she was now facing him. “Why then do you feel pity for him? Why are you crying for his death? Did you love him? Is that it?!!” he yelled in her face, his voice breaking with sentiment.

“Erik Destler, YOU.ARE.A.FOOL!” she cried at the top of her lungs, trying to break free of his unrelenting grasp. “I engaged myself to Olivier because of you! He was blackmailing me with your life you idiot! He threatened to have you arrested as soon as he found out the truth about your past as the Opera Ghost! I couldn’t very well leave you to hang now, could I?” she scoffed, taking in his enraged expression.

“I could have handled Olivier Dervaux on my own!” he shouted back. “I do not need you or anyone else to fight my battles. I have been taking care of myself for a long time!” he stated obstinately, clenching his fists furiously.

“Please forgive my impertinence in trying to keep you safe! You obviously never needed my assistance with anything. I’m not as strong as you! I could never live with myself knowing that I had not done anything to save you. If anything ever happened to you, I think my heart would stop beating from the sheer pain of losing you.”

“How then could you betray me like that? If you truly love me as much as you say, how could you bind your life to that fiend? Do you know how hard it has been for me to think that you would be marrying him tomorrow? How could you find it in your heart to condemn our love like that? How could you ever think of letting him raise our child Marianne? How?!?”

“Perhaps you cannot understand this Erik but I would rather know that you were alive and well away from me while I was being tortured by that sick man, instead of risking your safety out of selfishness. I know I hurt you in my vain attempt to save you, but I could not live with myself if anything vile ever happened to you because of me…” she trailed off, resigning herself to her fate. She turned her back on him, her shoulders sagging under the realization that she had lost the man she loved with every fiber of her being, and looked away trying to hide her tears from Erik.

“Go Erik. Please, give me at least this semblance of dignity…” she whispered brokenly, surrendering herself to her cruel fate.

“Marianne, you are my sun, my moon and my stars. I may not agree with the way you handled the Baron’s scheme to separate us, but that does not mean I love you any less for it. I know you did what you thought was best and I love you even more because of your strength and determination to keep me safe despite your own devastation.” She could hear him slowly advancing on her as he spoke the simple truth and suddenly she felt the heat from his body radiate against her back as he put his arms around her protectively.

“All I ever wanted to do was protect and keep you safe, and here you are safeguarding me!” he exclaimed sheepishly, trying to appease her.

In an instant she had turned in his arms, looking for all the world ready to strangle him. “You are a chauvinistic, egocentric, biased…” she raved but he stopped her, his lips crashing her’s in an all-consuming kiss. Erik drank from her lips like a man possessed, seemingly trying to erase the nightmare of the past few weeks in a single scorching soul kiss. As soon as he felt his lungs constrict at the lack of oxygen and parted his lips from her’s for a brief second however, she carried on. “… parochial, narrow-minded pig!” she managed to blurt out before he sealed her lips with his once more, laughing to himself at her hot-headed reaction to his words.

When he finally felt her relax in his arms, he raised his head regarding her tentatively as she fluttered her eyes open and looked into his own hazily, before she collected herself and frowned upon him with a spark of determination urging her on. “If you think you can…” she started but his index finger on her lips effectively shushed her.

“I don’t think I will be able to bear it if I lose you ever again.” he started, shaking his head in the negative as soon as she tried to speak. “I have loved you since the first moment I laid eyes on you, but fool that I am I was afraid you would not be able to see past my mask and love me in return. The days we spent together were the happiest of my life while each and every moment away from you for the past month has been endless torture for me. I know I am not worthy of your affection, but I cannot help myself from begging you one more time to join your life with mine.” he paused, bowing his head momentarily before he knelt on one knee and extracted the same ring that had adorned her finger for the briefest interval of time, but without which she felt a part of her missing. “Marianne Pinon, will you be my wife, love me despite my shortcomings and grant me the grace of spending the rest of my life trying to make you and our child happy?” he inquired with a beseeching look in his eyes as he held the ring in his quivering fingers.

Her eyes filled with unshed tears, Marianne nodded her head not trusting her voice and extended her hand so that he could slip the ring on her finger once more. Once her hand was once again adorned with the beautiful jewel, he turned it in his hand and kissed her palm reverently. Ever so slowly, her free hand reached out and grasped the edge of his mask, uncovering his face to her loving gaze and allowing it to fall to the floor. “Oh Erik…” she smiled, tenderly stroking his marred flesh.

“I promise I will do everything in my power to grant you the happiness you deserve Marianne.” he whispered affectionately against her skin and stared at her in awe as she fell to her own knees before him and snuggled as tightly as she could against his chest.

“I love you…” she sighed contentedly.

“Will you ever be able to forgive me for all the horrible things I said to you?” he asked tentatively.

“I love you” was her sole reply to which he smiled enthusiastically and stated “I want us to marry the soonest possible.”

“I love you” she smiled again, relaxing further into his embrace as she offered him her lips again and it was then that Erik realized those were the only words they needed anymore. His hand traveled to her midriff and he caressed her slightly round belly ever so softly, smiling in amazement.

Just as Erik lowered his head to touch his lips to Marianne’s, a knock at the door jolted them out of the warm cocoon they had weaved around themselves. Unwilling to let go of the woman in his arms however, Erik returned his attention to Marianne and placed a feather light chaste kiss on her lips but whoever was knocking persisted.

“Who is it?” he groaned, as he was brought back into the harsh reality that awaited him. He stood from where they had been sitting across the floor and helped Marianne onto her feet by his side, marching over to the door and opening it to see Gerard the butler on the other side.

“Please excuse me Madame de Duchess, but there is a gentleman from the authorities here to see you.” the butler explained apologetically.

Erik turned to Marianne to find her blanched at the servant’s words. Deciding to take action, he dismissed the butler with a nod. “Thank you very much Gerard. We will be downstairs in a few minutes.” he affirmed and closed the door again. Turning his attention back to Marianne, Erik smiled to alleviate her strain.

“Darling, do not frown like so. It will all be over soon, I promise.” he offered calmly but to no avail. Marianne appeared to get more agitated with each passing second.

“NO! Erik, they will arrest you! You have to escape! What will they do to you if they find out about your past?!?” she addressed him feverishly.

“Do not worry dearest. What happened to the Baron was an accident. He was maimed by his own hand. Do not fret. I am sure the commissioner will understand once Raoul and I explain how everything happened.” he tried to appease her again.

“Oh Erik, I cannot bear the thought of losing you again!” she proclaimed in agony.

“You will not lose me dearest. I vow to you our child will come to know the love of both its parents.” he smiled reassuringly, moving to open the door again.

“No Erik! Please, just hold me!” she gasped frightened.

“Calm down my love. Everything will be alright. Have a little faith…” he cooed, touching his lips to her forehead and steadying himself for the inevitable confrontation with the authorities. “Come now, we have to go downstairs or we will raise unwelcome suspicions.” he muttered half-heartedly and lacing his fingers with her’s led Marianne out of her bedroom.

Descending the stairs by Erik’s side, Marianne kept repeating to herself everything would be alright but despite herself she felt fear grip her heart at the prospect of losing the man she loved forever. As Erik stopped outside the dining room and turned to look at her though, the reassuring smile he granted her before he opened the door that could very well be separating him from his doom warmed her inside and steadied her for what would follow.

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“As you can understand Officer, it was an unfortunate accident that led to the Baron’s demise. I am sorry to say the Baron died accidentally by his own hand.” they heard Raoul’s steady voice as the latter explained to the rigid officer of the law.
Fortunately, Olivier’s body had been removed while Erik and Marianne were upstairs, as the Officer had already examined the crime scene.

“Mademoiselle de Duchess, how kind of you to join us.” the strict man offered somewhat ironically.

Marianne stiffened at his tone, smiling uneasily as she tried to appear calm. “How may I be of help Officer…?” she paused, expecting the burly man to introduce himself properly.

The heavy man cleared his throat realizing he was being rude and bowed his head cordially. “Please excuse my manners Mademoiselle de Duchess. I am Officer Clouseau with the Rouen authorities and I was summoned here by the Viscount de Chagny to investigate the murder of the Baron Dervaux.” he explained the reason for his visit.

“I have already told you Monsieur Clouseau, the death of the Baron was self-inflicted!” Raoul proclaimed, but was cut short by the icy stare Officer Clouseau fixed him with.

“I understand the Baron was your fiancé Mademoiselle?”

“Indeed Monsieur Clouseau.” Marianne simply affirmed.

“I am sorry for your loss Mademoiselle Pinon, you must be devastated.” Clouseau offered grimly to which Marianne simply nodded her head in response.

“I apologize for putting you through this ordeal so soon after the Baron’s passing Mademoiselle de Duchess, but I will have to file a report regarding Monsieur Dervaux’ murder and it has to be done the soonest possible.”

“As I am sure my cousin has already informed you Monsieur Clouseau, my fiancé’s wound was self-inflicted.” Marianne rigidly informed the man before her.

“What could possibly drive your fiancé to carry a dagger one day prior to your wedding?” the Officer inquired suspiciously.

“I have no way of knowing that Monsieur Clouseau. All I know is that he was livid when Monsieur Destler paid us a visit unexpectedly during our dinner and threatened to kill him if he wouldn’t leave.”

“Why did you come here Monsieur Destler?” the Officer inquired, turning to the tall man.

“As I have already explained to you Monsieur Clouseau, yesterday it came to my attention that the Baron had a large debt to settle, part of which he confided in me that he had to pay back to Monsieur Destler.” Raoul cut in.

“The question was directed to Monsieur Destler Viscount, please do not interfere with my work.” Clouseau stopped him, disgruntled at the interruption.

“Excuse me Monsieur Clouseau.” the Viscount murmured apologetically, looking at Erik expectantly.

“Well, Monsieur Destler, would you be so kind as to answer the question?”

“Officer Clouseau, could I please ask of you to have this conversation in private? As you can see for yourself Mademoiselle Pinon is quite unnerved with tonight’s events.”

“But, I…” tried to intercept Marianne.

“Please Officer, I will be happy to answer any of your questions as soon as the Duchess leaves our company.” Erik continued calmly.

“As a matter of fact Monsieur Destler, I agree with you. Mademoiselle de Duchess, would you be so kind as to leave us for a few minutes?” the Officer requested.

With a resigned sigh, Marianne turned to leave the room. As soon as the door closed behind her, Raoul offered to step out as well but Clouseau thought better of it and asked him to remain present.

The three men settled down and Erik began to recount the night’s events.

“It is indeed true that the Baron had borrowed a quite large sum of money from me to settle one of his debts” Erik started. “I am afraid I lent him the money in good spirit, but later found out that he was quite fond of gambling as well as women and liquor. As you know, I have been a resident of Rouen for a short while now and, prior to coming to this part of the country, I lived in Paris where I had come to make the acquaintance of the Viscount de Chagny. When the Baron came to me asking for money, hearing of his acquaintance with the Viscount, I gave him the sum he needed without hesitation.” he continued, clearing his throat.

“When the time came for him to pay me back however, I realized that he intended no such thing and decided to press him further. I knew of course that the Viscount is an honest man, one who would never think of embezzling another man’s fortune. Hearing of the Viscount’s arrival for his cousin’s wedding, I saw a golden opportunity and decided to seize it. I came here tonight to address the Baron before his future family in the hope that he would finally see reason and settle his debt but to no avail. When he realized though that I was not about to relinquish my claim it was as if he became mad and attacked me with a dagger.

“Naturally, I deflected his assault but he persisted and soon we were caught up in a wrestle against one-another. I am afraid the Baron miscalculated his strength and tried to stab me in the chest but I was quicker, managing to divert his blow and as a result he wounded himself fatally.”

Taking in all of the information offered by the masked man, the Officer nodded his head in acceptance as he realized the story he had just heard was in complete accordance to the rumors he himself had been privy on regarding the Baron, as well as the Viscount’s statement, and made to stand from his place on the couch. “I understand your wife was also present during dinner Viscount? Would it be alright if I took her statement as well?” he inquired.

“I am afraid my wife’s mental state is not ideal at the moment Monsieur Clouseau. She has gone into hysterics after all that transpired before her eyes.” Raoul offered.

“Of course, I understand. Anyway, I do not think it will be necessary. What you have told me tonight is in accordance with rumors that circulated in the past about the Baron’s shady dealings. In fact, I am certain that as soon as the news about the Baron’s death circulate, we will all be amazed at the information that will surface regarding his person.” he concluded grimly. “Monsieur Destler”, he bowed cordially to the masked man, “Viscount de Chagny”, he repeated the curt motion addressing Raoul.

“Thank you for your timely response to our bidding at such a late hour Officer Clouseau.” Raoul offered cordially, bowing his head to Clouseau.

Officer Clouseau simply nodded his head in response and walked out of the room. Outside he found Marianne who looked as pale as if she had seen a ghost. In an effort to bring some comfort to the obviously shaken maiden, he bowed his head in salute but hesitated for a few seconds to offer a few kind words to the unfortunate woman.

“Mademoiselle de Duchess, I realize how distressed you must be at the moment. I would like to offer you my condolences for your fiancé’s passing.”

“Thank you.” the woman offered in a strained voice.

With an imperceptible nod of his head, Officer Clouseau resumed his step and followed Gerard to the exit.

Frantic with worry, Marianne opened the door to the dining room only to find her future husband and her cousin shaking hands, mutual respect and … understanding reflected in their eyes.

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No Easy Way